Karwa Chauth 2023: Rituals & Legends Behind the Festival
Karwa Chauth, a revered Indian festival, is a celebration of love, devotion, and tradition.Karwa Chauth, a beloved Indian festival, is set to grace us with its significance on November 1, 2023. This article delves into the details of Karwa Chauth 2023, its date, Mahurat (auspicious time), moonrise time, and the deep-rooted significance it holds in the hearts of married women across India.
The Meaning of Karwa Chauth
The term "Karwa" signifies a lamp and an earthen pot with a spout, while "chauth" refers to the fourth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. In 2023, Karwa Chauth falls on November 1, a day when married women observe a fast to ensure the well-being of their husbands, while some maidens perform the Karwa Chauth Pooja with hopes of finding an ideal partner.
Fasting for Love and Protection
Women embark on this day-long fast to protect their husbands and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The fast concludes with various offerings to the moon. Here, we provide a detailed insight into this revered festival.
The Date and Tithi
Karwa Chauth 2023 falls on November 1. The tithi, or lunar date, starts at 9:30 PM on October 31, 2023, and concludes at 9:19 PM on November 1, 2023.
Karwa Chauth Date & Pooja Timings
Karwa Chauth Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat: 05:36 PM to 06:54 PM
Moonrise timings for different cities are as follows:
| Cities | Moonrise Time |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 08:41 PM |
| Bengaluru | 08:40 PM |
| Chandigarh | 08:06 PM |
| Chennai | 08:29 PM |
| Hyderabad | 08:28 PM |
| Indore | 08:28 PM |
| Jaipur | 08:19 PM |
| Jammu | 08:09 PM |
| Kolkata | 07:37 PM |
| Lucknow | 07:58 PM |
| Mumbai | 08:48 PM |
| Nagpur | 08:18 PM |
| New Delhi | 08:09 PM |
| Patna | 07:44 PM |
| Surat | 08:44 PM |
Karwa Chauth Pooja: Do’s & Don’ts
Karwa Chauth is the most pivotal festival for married women, marked by several rituals and customs. Women wake up early, perform the Karwa Chauth Pooja, and then eat something before sunrise. The day begins with a morning prayer and the consumption of "Sargi," a food platter containing curry, parathas, coconut water, and dry fruits. It keeps women energised for a day of fasting.Fasting starts at sunrise, and women abstain from both food and water. After moonrise, they break their fast by looking at their husband's face through a sieve. Women are advised not to indulge in strenuous activities and to eat light food even after breaking the fast. Using scissors, needles, or knives in food preparations is discouraged
Legends Behind Karwa Chauth
Karwa Chauth aligns with the wheat sowing season, marking the beginning of the Rabi crop season. In ancient times, wheat was stored in "Karwa" - large earthen pots, leading to the festival's name. Married women pray for their husbands' prosperity, while unmarried women observe the fast in hopes of finding an ideal partner.Karwa Chauth symbolises the eternal love between a husband and wife, a sentiment that has been beautifully portrayed in Bollywood films.
The Tale of Veeravati
One of the most poignant legends revolves around Queen Veervati, who had seven brothers and was married to a king. She observed the strict Karwa Chauth fast in the first year of her marriage but faced hunger and thirst as the day passed. Her brothers, concerned for her well-being, tricked her into breaking her fast by creating a fake moon using a pipal tree's reflection.Devastating news of her husband's death reached her, and she left for his house. On her way, she encountered Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who revealed the truth. Maa Parvati's blood brought her husband back to life, emphasising the values of sacrifice and devotion associated with Karwa Chauth.
Observing the Fast
This day is all about married women, who embark on a day-long fast, devoted to the prosperity and longevity of their beloved husbands. The fast commences at sunrise and concludes only at moonrise.
Karva Chauth Muhurat: According to Vedic Astrology
The Karwa Chauth fast is observed based on the moonrise, but there's a specific Mahurat (auspicious time) for the puja. The fasting period spans from 6:33 AM to 8:15 PM, while the puja unfolds from 5:36 PM to 6:54 PM.
The Moonrise Moment
The moment of great anticipation arrives when the moon graces the night sky at 8:15 PM. It is at this precise time that married women offer Arghya to the moon to break their fast. The fasting duration on Karwa Chauth spans 13 hours and 42 minutes, from 6:33 AM to 8:15 PM.
Karva Chauth: Traditional Connection
Karwa Chauth is particularly prominent in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. In these regions, the tradition is embraced with immense devotion.
Karva Chauth: Regional Celebrations & Variations
Northern India, in particular, immerses itself in grand Karwa Chauth celebrations. This day-long festival is a testament to love and devotion, with women wholeheartedly participating. The Karwa Chauth Vrat (fast) is an integral part of this day's tradition.While Karwa Chauth is widely celebrated, it's worth noting that certain regional variations exist in rituals and customs.
Conclusion
Karwa Chauth is a testament to love, devotion, and the enduring traditions that bind couples. As we celebrate Karwa Chauth in 2023, let us cherish the deep-rooted customs and stories that make this festival a symbol of unwavering love. Invite Good Fortune and Consult with an Astrologer Today Online ! For Your Online Horoscope on the Auspicious Occasion of Karwa Chauth!
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FAQs
1. What is the significance of Karwa Chauth?
Karwa Chauth is a festival where married women fast for their husbands' well-being and longevity, while unmarried women observe it in the hope of finding an ideal partner.
2. When is Karwa Chauth 2023?
Karwa Chauth 2023 falls on November 1, 2023.
3. What are the do’s and don’ts of Karwa Chauth?
Do’s include fasting, performing the Karwa Chauth Pooja, and breaking the fast at moonrise. Don'ts involve avoiding strenuous activities, using scissors or knives, and indulging in heavy meals.
4. What are the legends behind Karwa Chauth?
One of the legends tells the story of Queen Veervati, her strict fast, and the miraculous revival of her husband after breaking the fast with the help of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
5. How do different zodiac signs celebrate Karwa Chauth?
Each zodiac sign may have its unique way of celebrating Karwa Chauth, influenced by astrological beliefs and traditions.